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Big Paychecks Are Back on Wall Street

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 25, 2009 7:19 PM CDT

(Newser) – While millions of Americans struggle on reduced paychecks or unemployment, Wall Street is returning to the high salaries of yesteryear, the New York Times reports. Enjoying strong first-quarter profits, six of the most powerful banks have reserved $36 billion to pay workers—suggesting that paychecks and bonuses have recovered for the rank-and-file. “Like everything on Wall Street, they’re starting to sin again,” one analyst said.

Banks argue that they must pay well to retain workers. To deflect criticism, a few banks plan to recoup bonuses from employees whose bets don't pay off. But some shareholders are irate, saying that improved revenue should go toward replacing their lost dividends. The high percentage of revenue going to compensation "is an indication that the root problem has not been addressed," said one critic.

A business man walks by the New York Stock Exchange on April 21, 2009 in New York City.
A business man walks by the New York Stock Exchange on April 21, 2009 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
People demonstrate in the financial district April 3, 2009 in New York City.
People demonstrate in the financial district April 3, 2009 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
People demonstrate in the financial district outside AIG headquarters as security guards keep watch inside the building April 3, 2009 in New York City.
People demonstrate in the financial district outside AIG headquarters as security guards keep watch inside the building April 3, 2009 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
NEW YORK - MARCH 27:  Businessmen walk up Wall Street outside the New York Stock Exchange on March 27, 2009 in New York City.
NEW YORK - MARCH 27: Businessmen walk up Wall Street outside the New York Stock Exchange on March 27, 2009 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
NEW YORK - MARCH 27:  A businessman walks up Wall Street outside the New York Stock Exchange on March 27, 2009 in New York City.
NEW YORK - MARCH 27: A businessman walks up Wall Street outside the New York Stock Exchange on March 27, 2009 in New York City.   (Getty Images)
In this Oct. 2, 2008 file photo, people walk to work on Wall St., in New York.
In this Oct. 2, 2008 file photo, people walk to work on Wall St., in New York.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, file)
A man walks to work in a snow storm on Wall Street Monday, March 2, 2009 in New York.
A man walks to work in a snow storm on Wall Street Monday, March 2, 2009 in New York.   (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
drlarrymitchell
Apr 26, 2009 4:42 AM CDT
Sounds like bullshit to me.
MrBisme
Apr 26, 2009 1:47 AM CDT
I respectfully disagree. If the actions of these companies do not align with your values, I would suggest boycotting. A boycott would go further than a blunt poorly though-out government regulation.

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